Happy Buddha Retreats | Yoga Retreat Sydneyhttps://www.happybuddharetreats.com.au
Health and Yoga Retreats in Blue Mountains NSWThu, 12 Sep 2019 13:45:53 +0000en-AU
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1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.2.37 Healthy Foods to Make You Happierhttps://www.happybuddharetreats.com.au/7-healthy-foods-make-feel-happier/
Fri, 30 Aug 2019 11:00:21 +0000https://www.happybuddharetreats.com.au/?p=2426 ‘Let Food Be Thy Medicine.’ – HIPPOCRATES Nobody denies the incredible impact that healthy foods have upon our bodies and minds. We really are what we eat. However, due to today’s processed food culture, many of us have been taken hostage by junk cravings. If this sounds like you, don’t stress; there’s a way out! […]

‘Let Food Be Thy Medicine.’ – HIPPOCRATES

Nobody denies the incredible impact that healthy foods have upon our bodies and minds. We really are what we eat.

However, due to today’s processed food culture, many of us have been taken hostage by junk cravings.

If this sounds like you, don’t stress; there’s a way out!

The more often we practice the daily ritual of eating healthy food, the more our bodies will begin to crave healthier nourishment. We’ll naturally drift further away from our questionable food choices, like a natural re-programming.

This means huge positive changes in our vitality, immune systems, and overall physical and mental well being. By filling our bellies with the nutrient-dense, natural treasures of our Earth… we’re giving our bodies the love they truly deserve. Below are seven foods that have been proven to make you happier and healthier.

Maca Powder

The Maca plant has become hugely popular over the last few years, for good reason.

The main edible part of the Maca plant is its root, which is generally dried and consumed in powder form. It tastes earthy, making it the perfect healthy food addition to smoothies or breakfast bowls.

Native to the mountains of Peru, Maca has been traditionally used for increasing energy, enhancing fertility and sex drive, as well as overall stamina.

It’s even said that the Incan Warriors consumed Maca to charge themselves before battle. As if this wasn’t all enough… this superfood is also known to help reduce symptoms of depression, particularly for women going through menopause. A study of menopausal women also found that Maca helped reduce menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and interrupted sleep.

We all know a delicious tomato based recipe. Here’s the perfect chance to justify a big bowl of spaghetti! You can always add tomatoes to your salad, or better yet, cook them. Cooking tomatoes will enhance their antioxidant content.

Leafy Greens

A diet rich in magnesium has also been shown to minimise the risk of depression. Dark green leafy vegetables (such as spinach or kale) are some of the best sources of magnesium.

Kale contains very little fat, but a large portion of the fat in it is an omega-3 fatty acid called alpha linolenic-acid.

Given its incredibly low calorie content, kale is actually among the most nutritionally-dense foods out there! By eating more kale, you can dramatically increase the total nutrient content of your diet. Try this delicious spinach and kale palak tofu recipe for a real boost.

Dark Chocolate

Chocolate and ‘healthy food’ in the same sentence might seem too good be true. But we assure you it is!

Raw unprocessed cocoa is one of the richest sources of polyphenols on earth. Polyphenols are naturally occurring antioxidants, which provide huge health benefits such as reducing inflammation and stimulating blood flow and brain function. Researchers have also found that cocoa polyphenols have positive effects on mood levels, correlating with higher levels of calmness.

Cocoa also has incredible flavonoids that are anti-inflammatory, as well as stress-reducing chemicals. Anyway, as if we needed an excuse! (For a higher concentration of polyphenols, choose dark chocolate, over milk.)

Nuts

A daily serving of nuts can have a notable effect on happiness, as well as a whole range of other health benefits. Walnuts are definitely the super-nuts, with higher antioxidant activity than any other common nut. Still, they’re not the only nuts to enjoy when you need a mood lift.

You could go for raw cashews, hazelnuts and almonds – each are packed with good fats, magnesium and B vitamins.

Bananas

A respectable source of vitamin C, Bananas contain the essential amino acid tryptophan. Bit of a mouthful, it helps us with the production of the feel-good hormone, serotonin.

Plus, potassium is a mineral absolutely essential to heart health – particularly blood pressure regulation. Bananas are also a great source of potassium. An average sized banana actually contains 9% of the recommended daily intake.

Seeds

Sesame, sunflower, chia and pumpkin seeds are also full of tryptophan, which not only improves your mood, but also helps regulate sleep. What better way to feel happy, than to wake up rested and refreshed?

Ground Flax Seeds are also worth mentioning here. One of the best properties of ground flaxseeds, is that they help enable the body to absorb nutrients more effectively. Adding to that, the’re a rich source of healthy fats like Omega-3s, antioxidants, and a quality fiber – aiding in healthy digestion and disease prevention.

Fermented foods

Popular across many cultures for many centuries , fermenting is back in healthy food conversations.

As a provider of ‘good’ bacteria that contributes to a healthy digestive system ,fermented foods, such as miso, kimchi or sauerkraut, are natural sources of probiotics. As well as improving gut health, there is suggested correlation between the intake of probiotics and a reduction in the negative thought patterns associated with depression.

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For more healthy food ideas, check out our recipes here! Or better yet, book yourself in for a retreat and enjoy DELICIOUS, home-cooked plant powered meals prepared FOR you!

]]>Belonging – What does it mean for you?https://www.happybuddharetreats.com.au/belonging-what-does-it-mean-for-you/
Sun, 21 Jul 2019 02:54:55 +0000https://www.happybuddharetreats.com.au/?p=8734One of our core needs as human beings is to feel that we BELONG somewhere. It is to feel that we are CONNECTED to community, to people who support us, know us and love us. In indigenous cultures, such as the Aboriginal cultures of Australia, people lived (and sometimes still live) in tribal groups. They […]

]]>One of our core needs as human beings is to feel that we BELONG somewhere. It is to feel that we are CONNECTED to community, to people who support us, know us and love us.

In indigenous cultures, such as the Aboriginal cultures of Australia, people lived (and sometimes still live) in tribal groups. They stayed together, living in the same area, sleeping in the same area, sharing and eating together, dancing, laughing and making music together. And each member also knew where and how they fit in.

“Our culture connects with the land, with our kinships. We know who we are, what sort of relationships we’ve got within our clan groups, or other clan groups around the Tanami.”- Lynette, Walpiri, Lajamanu, NT

In the kinship system in Aboriginal tribes, everyone is a member of a particular clan or ‘mob’ and they know the intricate links that connect them to all of the other members. This way, they know who they are and how they fit in with all of the others in their tribe or mob. They know that they are a part of something bigger than the small individual self.

Such programs as the SBS’s ‘Who do you think you are’ also address this question of belonging – by asking – where did our ancestors come from, and how does that shape who we are today? It follows the family history of well known personalities, tracing back sometimes four or five generations to how the people came to Australia, and what their particular journey or story was. The idea is that if we are able to understand more of our own personal history, we get more of a sense of how we belong today, and of who we are.

Brown argues that we’re experiencing a spiritual crisis of disconnection, and introduces four practices of true belonging that challenge everything we believe about ourselves and each other. She writes:

“True belonging requires us to believe in and belong to ourselves so fully that we can find sacredness both in being a part of something and in standing alone when necessary. But in a culture that’s rife with perfectionism and pleasing, and with the erosion of civility, it’s easy to stay quiet, hide in our ideological bunkers, or fit in rather than show up as our true selves and brave the wilderness of uncertainty and criticism. But true belonging is not something we negotiate or accomplish with others; it’s a daily practice that demands integrity and authenticity.”

So true belonging is a daily practice that demands integrity and authenticity, and asks us, before anything, to be true to ourselves. In order to be true to ourselves, we have to let go of all of the dynamics of people pleasing and perfectionism, that hide our true selves. We need to practice showing up and being the raw and uncut version of who we are. This is of course not easy if you have developed a habit of people pleasing over many years. This habit will of course have germinated thanks to an intense desire to belong and be accepted, but the end result will not be satisfying, because we have sacrificed our true selves in the name of that belonging – so we might be accepted by those we want to love us, but if we are not showing up as really US, the unedited version, then who is the person who has been loved and accepted? This is an easy way of losing ourselves.

When we don’t know who we are, we might instead seek to define ourselves by our jobs, our bank accounts and what we can produce. Or we might try to buy back our sense of self – designer handbags and expensive active-wear may help us fit in on the surface, yet they are empty promises in the face of authentic, healthy belonging.

To have a sense of healthy belonging in our societies, we need to move from seeing each other as producers / consumers to seeing each other as the magical and beautiful beings that we are.

We may not produce anything in the physical world, but the love and the smiles that we share create heartwarming connection and love wherever we go.

There are people – such as the Indian guru Amma, who have built a whole life and career on this being-ness, because the being-focus is so lacking in our world. This is someone who embodies and spreads love and compassion as her whole life’s mission – and it is like a deep injection of oxygen into a society who’s collective in breath is constricted through the stress of breathing only economy, money and taxes.

To increase belonging, we need to vote out leaders who’s tunnel vision sees only ‘economy’ and who have no vision for a healthy society which is grounded in caring, love and compassion for its humans.

We need to vote in people who see the ever increasing numbers of homeless people on our city streets and see that this is symptomatic of a society which is sick and failing many of its humans.

And on a personal level we need to cultivate healthy relationships, which includes helping each other in developing healthy emotional expression and encouraging each other to be as raw and as real as possible.

Some Inner Practices to Increase Belonging and Connection

Practice checking with yourself emotionally throughout the day, and see if your outward expression is congruent with your inner feelings. If you notice that there is a big difference between your inner feelings and your outward expression, see if you can take baby steps to more emotional authenticity with people who feel safe for you.

If you find step one very challenging, you might need some help. Find a good therapist and commit to investigating emotional fluency and expression. This is challenging and deep work but will be extremely rewarding as you are able to slowly express more and more of yourself. As this happens you will notice more and more life energy coming back into your body.

Practice being more open with your needs. All of us have deep emotional needs – to be seen, heard, felt, met and acknowledged. Try asking for a hug when you need one. Ask a friend to tell you what they love about you. And if you are feeling strong ask them to tell you what they see might be blocking you from full self expression.

Some Outer Practices to Increase Belonging and Connection

Join a group in your neighbourhood or community that meets regularly to share something that you love, like art, music, writing, yoga, dance.

Become active in your community, recognise that you can help in the decision making process to make things better – to facilitate a great sense of belonging and connection through things like festivals, open days, connecting the generations in different ways.

Start a movement! Are you deeply passionate about something? Start a movement and share you passion with the world. Build your own tribe.

Come to Happy Buddha Retreat! This is a wonderful place for real connection and community – it’s what we are all about. And if you need more than a three day retreat, stay longer as a volunteer. We look forward to connecting with you and showing you how much you belong!

]]>The Nature Connection: Benefits of a Bush Wanderhttps://www.happybuddharetreats.com.au/the-nature-connection/
Sun, 21 Jul 2019 00:05:39 +0000https://www.happybuddharetreats.com.au/?p=10094Feel renewed after some time in the bush? Find out how to use the nature connection to boost mood and restore mental energy.

Have you ever stood under the dappled sunlight of a gum tree, breathing in the citrus of lemon myrtle whilst listening to the duets of courting whipbirds? For a moment you forget “reality”, the world of deadlines and responsibilities that somehow moves faster than water over rocks and wind through leaves. But what if you gave yourself permission to dawdle?

The formal nature connection practise of Shinrin-yoku (森林浴), or forest bathing, originated in Japan to combat the stress of being overworked. It involves wandering through a forest at snail’s pace whist engaging the senses, listening to the birds, feeling the bark on trees, noticing different scents and connecting with nature and yourself.

Government-backed research in Japan found that this slow stroll to soak up the phytonicides or “aromas of the forest” physically reduce cortisol levels (stress hormones), lower blood pressure and steady heart-rate. These antimicrobial organic compounds are let off by trees such as Eucalypts and pines and boost immunity whilst restoring mental energy.

But modern science is really only just echoing what indigenous communities know innately; that nature is central to physical and emotional wellbeing. Australian Aboriginals practise dadirri, an “inner, deep listening and quiet, still awareness” to tune in to the cathartic powers of nature.

“When I experience dadirri, I am made whole again. I can sit on the riverbank or walk through the trees; even if someone close to me has passed away, I can find my peace in this silent awareness. There is no need of words. A big part of dadirri is listening.” – Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann, Aboriginal Elder

Forest Bathing and Nature Connection Basics

1. Find the right spot

You don’t need to hike a mountain – a natural area that is comfortable and convenient for you is ideal. Some places may include local lakes, wetlands, walking tracks and even parks if you are a city dweller.

2. Leave your phone at home

This is crucial, one buzz from your pocket will instantly transport you elsewhere. If you have apps to record your step count whilst bush walking then this is another good reason to ditch the device – forest bathing is about stillness, presence and processing over progressing.

3. Check in with yourself and your surroundings

Notice where you might be holding tension in the body. Are you experiencing any negative looping thoughts? Is your breathing deep or shallow? Acknowledge these feelings without judgement, take a few breaths from the abdomen and move your attention instead to what is around you. You’ll have plenty of time to worry later!

4. Walk slowly

There is no place to get to, only to be. As you walk, really savour the details, the mottled colours in fallen leaves, ants weaving through bark. What do you hear? Listen to the sounds of the bush and the spaces in between – the energy in silence. How does the breeze feel on your skin? The sun and the shade? Touch branches, stones and leaves that you are drawn to and appreciate the textures. What can you smell? You might walk for 20 minutes or an hour, only covering a small amount of ground.

5. Stop or sit down

If a spot looks inviting, allow yourself to linger. Maybe beneath a tree, or settling in a patch of grass, keeping your eyes open to stay anchored to the present. If something catches your attention, a swaying flower, moss and fungi over rocks, observe it for as long as you’d like.

6. Give thanks

The natural world offers us so much beauty, guidance and clarity when we slow down enough to listen to her. Thank her for any gifts or insights she has given you whilst you’ve walked together.

Forest bathing and nature connection brings up different experiences for each of us; deep introspection, joy, curiosity or even sorrow that we may need to release. Don’t worry if you find it difficult to connect; stress, anxiety and depression can affect our ability to engage, so it is helpful not to place too much emphasis on an emotional destination. Meet yourself where you are!

Bringing more Nature into your Life

Of course, having the time and physical ability to wander is a privilege, but everyone can apply the principles of nature connection daily. Going for a walk or sitting outside during your lunch break and paying attention to swaying branches, flowers, insects and bees can help ease your fight-or-flight response. Washing the dishes whilst gazing out the window, eyes following passing clouds and listening for birds is an act of deep listening, dadirri. Taking your kids out to a park or public garden (perhaps leaving phones in the car?) instead of the cinema, choosing a picnic over a café (the sandwiches will be cheaper!) and teaching them about native flora and fauna will help them relate to the earth. There may be some culture shock with nature’s slower pace, but with time we can all find some sanctuary in the stillness.

“And the birds sing happily To the accompaniment Of insects and crickets. I sit in silence as I soak it all into my soul. Peace flows From the water To my heart. Whatever life brings me I now can face Because of this, My sitting down place!”

Gail Kay, Indigenous Australian Writer

To learn more about dadirri from Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann Click Here.

]]>Easy Ways to Reduce Stress Right Nowhttps://www.happybuddharetreats.com.au/5-ways-to-reduce-stress-right-now/
https://www.happybuddharetreats.com.au/5-ways-to-reduce-stress-right-now/#respondSun, 14 Jul 2019 01:00:55 +0000https://www.happybuddharetreats.com.au/?p=341Unfortunately it sometimes feels like life gets the better of us. There’s just too much to do, not enough time and we don’t seem to be getting any closer to our goals. But the thing is, there’s no need to wait until the weekend, or your next Christmas break to feel better. Here are some […]

]]>Unfortunately it sometimes feels like life gets the better of us. There’s just too much to do, not enough time and we don’t seem to be getting any closer to our goals. But the thing is, there’s no need to wait until the weekend, or your next Christmas break to feel better. Here are some things you can do right now to let go of stress, plus find the renewed motivation to keep going!

Breathe

Breath is the most fundamental expression of life force. As the Dalai Lama once said, it’s also the most obvious and natural bridge between the visible and invisible worlds. Remember that in any circumstances, the ability to create peace is available to you – simply by focusing your awareness on your breath.

Try taking a few slow and focused inhalations; breathing into stillness, and breathing out into spaciousness. Imagine that you’re inhaling life, vitality, joy, creativity and anything else you need in that moment. Exhale your tension, worries and fatigue. Feel your body release and start to let go. Observe how the breath starts to naturally lengthen and grow steady. Notice the growing pause at the end of each inhalation. Follow your exhalation breath to its final moment and observe it float away into emptiness. Notice the growing pause at the end of your exhalation and find solace in its peace.

Sounds too simple? Try it, you’ve got nothing to lose! You can do it anywhere, at any time, and the people around you don’t even have to know what you’re doing. Aim for at least five deep breaths and see if you feel differently. You might be surprised!

Smile

It doesn’t matter if you don’t feel like smiling at all, just hold your smile for a few minutes and notice what happens. Researchers from the University of Kansas have found that even fake smiles can help reduce stress. We usually smile when our mind sends the signal that something good is happening to us, but it works in reverse, too. Your smile sends a signal to your mind that everything is ok in your world and your stress starts to dissolve.

If this feels too forced for you, really make yourself smile! I’ve created a ‘things that make me laugh’ folder on my computer. It’s full of the hilarious videos and photos that never fail to make me smile or laugh. I highly recommend this practice; it’s a quick and perfect antidote to stress!

Get active

When you exercise your body releases endorphins, which reduce your perception of pain and trigger positive feelings in your body. Even if you don’t feel like you have a lot of time, try a quick yoga flow or going for a brisk walk.

A movement practice will allow you to feel centred in the world, and to reconnect with your body. In one sense, the whole of life is movement, and to have a space to practice movement with awareness is ideal.The practice you choose is way less important than choosing one that resonates with you on any given day. For example, if you’re feeling like you need to let off some steam, try going for a long walk! Experiment and notice what happens when you give yourself fully to each moment of exercise. Some other great activities for stress relief are swimming and Tai chi.

If we allow it, nature always gives us perspective. Connecting with it daily, makes a great practice for grounding and removing stress. A study conducted found that a ninety-minute walk in nature decreased brain activity in the subgenual prefrontal cortex, a space highly active when dwelling over negative thoughts.

You might not have ninety minutes, but any time in nature is beneficial. If possible, connect your bare feet to the earth when walking outside or sitting in the grass. Feel the heaviness of your soles and weight against the ground, and notice how mother earth always supports you.

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While these are effective ways to reduce stress quickly, practicing them over time and making them your immediate go-to when stress arises, will definitely help you achieve a more sustained sense of balance.If you’re feeling inspired… Happy Buddha retreats offer exploration of more of these practices, such as yin yoga, music meditation and sound healing. Be sure to check out it out!

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in 2014… but we’ve added to it!

]]>https://www.happybuddharetreats.com.au/5-ways-to-reduce-stress-right-now/feed/0Nurturing your Inner Child through Music and Movementhttps://www.happybuddharetreats.com.au/nurturing-your-inner-child-through-music-and-movement/
Thu, 27 Jun 2019 11:49:08 +0000https://www.happybuddharetreats.com.au/?p=9955Is there anything more endearing than watching a baby bop up and down to a tune on the radio? As humans, we are born with an innate joyful response to music. We naturally tap our feet, hands and bob our heads when a good song comes on. But somewhere along the way we stop asking […]

]]>Is there anything more endearing than watching a baby bop up and down to a tune on the radio?

As humans, we are born with an innate joyful response to music. We naturally tap our feet, hands and bob our heads when a good song comes on.

But somewhere along the way we stop asking ourselves if dancing and singing makes us feel good, and start asking ourselves if we are good at them. When we stop trusting our bodies, our inner child begins to play tug o’ war with our inner critic.

“Am I out of time? Is this the right pitch? I made a mistake… again!” These thoughts bring the rope in the direction of our inner critic.

Perhaps you can relate?

At Happy Buddha’s Ignite Your LifeRetreat, I wanted to reconnect with my inner child – the toddler who sang freely (and loudly… to whoever would listen) and danced with two left feet before her inner critic came knocking.

The body percussion and drumming workshops were a great way to reintroduce playfulness into mindful movement – if you’re the type of person whose heart races when you lie down to meditate, then this is an opportunity to clap along to it’s beat instead!

Stomping, clapping and clicking in a circle of strangers sounds funny at first – however body percussion is actually an ancient African practise that helps people communicate, connect, improve circulation, coordination and enter a mindful state almost instantly.

Sound healing after dinner was a more restful activity. We lay under blankets with eye masks whilst someone sung and gently played a harp as we grounded our thoughts through Om chanting. It was soothing to have my voice melt into the collective Ommmmm of those around me without judgement, simply feeling the sound reverberating through my body.

But how can I nurture my inner child when my inner critic won’t give me a break?

Question your “Facts”.

We all create narratives that we believe keep us safe. As mentioned, one of my personal scripts tells me that “I cannot sing. I do not dance.” because clinging to these self-determined “facts” guards me from (mostly my own!) judgement. However, just because my inner critic’s the loudest, most painful and most consistent voice doesn’t make it factual. Loud doesn’t equal true – it’s just loud!

As these “facts” must shout at you to keep you invested in them, your inner child (who doesn’t need to raise their voice to convince you of anything) often gets drowned out. Knowing you deeply and intimately, their wisdom is instead communicated softly through calm breaths, gentle feelings and quiet affirmations.

Often it is deeply uncomfortable to listen to this wisdom as it challenges the narratives we have devoted so much time to. To begin, it is therefore helpful to simply redirect our focus away from our heads and down into our chests and bellies and observe what arises.

Ask yourself: which of your narratives are preventing you from living freely?

We can also delve into creative hobbies that we would enjoy as children! Painting, drumming, singing and craft – whatever it is that you can get lost in – all transport your energy away from the thinking brain and down into your heart. Don’t judge your efforts, just as you wouldn’t judge a child bringing home her artwork from school. Cherish yourself and the process!

It was both invigorating and soul-stirring during the retreat to experiment with sound, reconnect through movement and laugh freely at ourselves when we fell out of time. Within this non-judgemental space, it turned out that making mistakes together was often the best part!

And remember: your inner child will eventually always win the tug o’ war match. Why? Because as your inner critic becomes flustered, angry and upset your inner child simply stands on the other side, laughing – knowing that this too… is only a game!

]]>The Blue Mountains as a Healing Groundhttps://www.happybuddharetreats.com.au/the-blue-mountains-as-a-healing-ground/
Tue, 25 Jun 2019 02:48:13 +0000https://www.happybuddharetreats.com.au/?p=9030 If you have spent any time in the Blue Mountains, you will know that there is a special kind of energy in this area. We look into the indigenous heritage of the area....

]]>If you have spent any time in the Blue Mountains, you will know that there is a special kind of energy in this area.

The mountains themselves are majestic, and the view from the Happy Buddha dining room is one of endless mountain ranges extending in all directions. Just gazing over the mountains from the dining room, your eyes experience something like the forest-bathing experience, termed ‘Shirinyoko’ in Japanese. Walk out on the path down to our special waterfall, and you get the full 3D shirinyoko effect!

It is no surprise that one of the most deeply spiritual nations in the world, Tibet, is also a country of mountains, sitting on the roof of the world.

There is something about the solidity of mountains that is at the same time grounding and uplifting for the spirit. Supported by such incredible land formations, you are also looking at things from an elevated (geographical) position, which somehow magically helps you see your own life from a more elevated place.

As a home base for many different centres for spiritual healing, from the Tibetan Buddhist Retreat Kunsang Yeshe, along with the Brahma Kumaris Retreat and the Blackwood Vipassana Meditation Centre, the Blue Mountains has been attracting people who seek spiritual renewal and healing for a long time now. So it’s no surprise that it is the place that has become the permanent home for the Happy Buddha Retreat centre.

A little over an hours drive west from Happy Buddha, the Jenolan Caves are significant to the local Aboriginal people, the Gundungurra and Darug tribes.

Over the course of thousands of years, Aboriginal people from many different clans came to Jenolan Caves, to bathe in the pools of Nadyung. People came from far away, sometimes walking for many days. In the summer months, the mountains were cool and serene. The water in the pools of Nadyung contains dissolved minerals that were thought to have healing properties. Aboriginal people drank the water to cure stomach and digestive tract ailments.

Gundungurra elder, Billy Lynch, recalled in the early years of the 20th century that, ‘The old natives knew the Caves’.

“They penetrated the caves as far as the subterranean water, carrying their sick to be bathed in this water, which they believed to have great curative powers. Sick people were carried there from considerable distances.”

Just a 10 minute drive from the retreat, the walking track to the actual Wentworth Falls affords some stunning vistas, where the spectacular honeycomb like sandstone cliffs plunge one hundred metres down into a thickly treed ravine. The experience walking this track is enough to transport you mentally and emotionally to a higher plane of existence.

From there, it’s a few more minutes down steps to the top of Wentworth Falls, where Jamison Creek flows into a shallow pool on one side and the stunning Jamison Valley opens out on the other.

There are also many aboriginal art sites in the Blue Mountains, including the Red Hands Cave, which was used for thousands of years by the Darug people as well as the Lyrebird Dell Walking track from Leura which traverses spectacular gorges to a culturally significant cave site for the local indigenous people.

Have you connected with this ancient healing energy while at a Happy Buddha retreat? We’d love to hear of your experience!

]]>Welcoming the Winter Solsticehttps://www.happybuddharetreats.com.au/winter-solstice/
Fri, 21 Jun 2019 08:15:37 +0000https://www.happybuddharetreats.com.au/?p=9812‘What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.’ ― John Steinbeck While our neighbours in the northern hemisphere move into summer this weekend, June 22 brings us the Winter Solstice. A solstice describes the annual moment when the sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky […]

‘What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.’
― John Steinbeck

While our neighbours in the northern hemisphere move into summer this weekend, June 22 brings us the Winter Solstice.

A solstice describes the annual moment when the sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky at noon. More specifically, it’s the exact moment when the sun reaches it’s most southern point from the earth’s equator (December), and it’s most northern point (June). Each year this day marks the longest (summer solstice) and shortest (winter solstice) days of sunlight.

For thousands of years, solstices have been regarded as important days for celebrating the transition of seasons, and shift in energy. Because the Winter Solstice celebrates the longest hours of darkness, as well as the ‘rebirth of the sun,’ it is believed that the day holds powerful energy for introspection and renewal.

Traditions

Our ancestors found wisdom in celebrating and aligning with these seasonal occurrences, as it inevitably widened their perspectives to the universe around them. They understood humanity’s place, as part of the whole – connected with a much larger picture. Festivals represented a spiritual connection to Mother Earth.

There is evidence that the solstice was a celebrated moment in the annual cycle for cultures as far back as Neolithic times. We also witness this within ancient Indian, Iranian and Japanese cultures to name a few.

In Pagan times the Winter Solstice was called Yule. The day revolved around the Goddess and the moon’s energy. In fact it was thought that on this day, the moon gave birth to the sun. The Winter Solstice was honoured as a time of birth, or the start of a new cycle.

‘If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.’ – Anne Bradstreet

Rituals

Astronomical events such as the Solstices correspond with each of our own rhythms – they can help us to understand where to place our focus amidst the changing cycles of life.

Throughout history, solstice celebrations have involved dance, ceremony, folklore, and the telling of myths. By participating in rituals, people felt understood and connected with nature.

Today, there are lots of ways you can honour the Winter Solstice. This might be through pausing, exploring your inner world, or by bringing Yin energy into your home through practices like yin yoga, or journaling.

Here are a few other ideas.

Disconnect with Candle Light

Fire is a wonderful way to celebrate the light, as humanity has done for thousands of years before us.

Honouring the winter solstice with fire is easy enough. Switch off your phone and other distractions, then simply light a candle or two. Keeping the lights off, embrace the darkness, and take the time to reflect on the beauty and qualities of light. Feel the stillness, quiet, and peace here.

The next activity you could do with a group of friends, family, or by yourself. If you feel drawn to do so, on a piece of paper you could write down some of the things you have accomplished within the last six months. Reading them out aloud, with gratitude, you can then burn the paper – letting go of attachment to the past, and allowing space for new abundance and opportunity!

Set Intentions

Another equally valuable ritual would be using the start of this new cycle, to set intentions.

Have a long and deep think about the things that you might like to remove from your life. By focusing on what you want to release, you can then direct your attention to what you want to more of, with spring.

Feel gratitude for the opportunity to focus on this work and ask for the energy to focus on your intentions over the next months. This winter solstice is the perfect time for making plans. Think of it as the stage of a cycle that comes right before the birth of a new project, opportunity, or phase of life.

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If you’re after even more of a winter reset, another wonderful option is a Happy Buddha winter Retreat. There’s nothing like a day of yoga, fireplace reading and home cooked meals to brave the cold and hit recharge!

]]>Why Yoga? – A Lifelong Inner and Outer Journeyhttps://www.happybuddharetreats.com.au/yoga-a-lifelong-journey/
Wed, 19 Jun 2019 07:00:55 +0000https://www.happybuddharetreats.com.au/?p=9655The popular book ‘Fitness Is a Religion’ might have a daunting title, but it certainly contains some truths. It raises a few interesting and transformative ideas – the central one being; ‘Fitness is a religion, a way of life rooted in the deeply held conviction that physical, psychological and spiritual health are inextricably related.’ Ray […]

]]>The popular book ‘Fitness Is a Religion’ might have a daunting title, but it certainly contains some truths. It raises a few interesting and transformative ideas – the central one being;

‘Fitness is a religion, a way of life rooted in the deeply held conviction that physical, psychological and spiritual health are inextricably related.’

Ray Kybartas, the author (and personal trainer of Madonna), is essentially suggesting that fitness is: the pursuit of wholeness, a ‘religious regimen’ that can empower each of us to handle the pressures of our daily lives.

Here are a couple of fitness black-and-whites from the author:

Fitness can be seen as the difference between health, or no health.

It is a lifelong practice.

There are no shortcuts.

These are all true, but things aren’t as gloomy as they sound. In a gently inspiring manner, he more romantically elaborates here:

‘Fitness is a lifelong pilgrimage – and like religious pilgrims, all who seek health must commit themselves to the journey.

Those who do will find lasting results. Here is the irony: to achieve physical beauty you must look beyond it. if we keep our eyes focused on a particular short-term goal we may achieve it, but victory will be temporary.

We must be transformed inside out.’

A Culture of Shortcuts

Our society places a huge focus on efficiency and pace – and this applies to fitness, and our bodies too. We see this in fad diets and crash exercise programs.

However, our object should not be to lose weight, but rather to become fit.

If you apply this idea, you’ll naturally find yourself pursuing a healthier, more active lifestyle. Your relationship with your body will change, as everyday you will learn more about how to listen to its needs. Consistency over time is the key. Plus, you’ll learn something that only you can: what specifically works for you. A fitter physique becomes a natural side effect – just a bonus, within a larger, ongoing, goal.

The Physical and Spiritual Link

‘Our neglected bodies often serve only as a repository for stress, depression, and illness.’- Ray Kybartas

There is an incredibly deep connection between our mental and spiritual well-being, and our physical health.

As our pressures increase with juggling work, homes, relationships and family, our personal wellbeing can often take a backseat. Stress causes imbalance in both our bodies and minds, and we start to develop health conditions. Unfortunately, many of us unconsciously choose pain and immobility rather than health. There is a common yet untrue perception that the pursuit of fitness is a just another burden within our already commitment-filled lives.

Why Yoga?

As mentioned above, many practices can work and it’s about finding what works for you. Today we’ll explore a personal favourite and an incredible for tool for strengthening body, mind and spirit: yoga.

Over the past few decades there’s been a widespread and renewed interest in yoga’s benefits. Pretty often, there’s an emphasis is placed on yoga’s physical aspects – which when practiced, are of course, hugely beneficial (in terms of fitness, strength, circulation, flexibility and mobility). However, such a view is limiting to the full, transformative potential of yoga.

To begin understanding the many layers of yoga, we must turn to its roots. Thousands of years ago, the forest sages of ancient India recognised the seeming duality of a unified universe; matter and light, body and spirit, heart and mind. Inspired, they drew on this truth and evolved asanas (postures) and meditations that could gently guide others into a unified moment of body and spirit. Yoga was a gift they created, to heal the world, to cultivate gratitude and deeply honour creation.

When infused with a conscious knowledge and gentle application of its original purpose, your yoga practice will deepen – allowing you to in practice, become an embodied channel of peace. In the process you can gain focus, clarity and vitality. Reducing stress, yoga heals and strengthens both body and mind. Simple measures applied with consistency and commitment will encourage mindfulness – organically and gradually deepening your practice.

‘I am practicing asana,but at a level where the quality is meditative. The totality of being, from core to skin, is experienced. Mind is unruffled, intelligence is awake in heart rather than in head, self is quiescent, and conscious life is in every cell of the body.

That is what I mean when I say asana opens up the whole spectrum of yoga’s possibilities.’ – B.K.S Iyengar

Cultivating a Long-Term Practice

A key part of cultivating a long-term yoga practice is to avoid letting it become coloured by notions of ‘self-improvement’ goals. Instead, try and approach your yoga meditation with patience and love.

Approaching your practice with an uncritical outlook creates a spaciousness in your practice, through which the mind will gradually empty. A beautiful effect of mindful yoga is that gradually, self-critical thoughts will fade to be replaced with self-empowerment and authenticity. Plus, if you are practicing for the love of practice, rather than to tick off goals or compete with others, you are far more likely to stick with it.

The beautiful thing about yoga, is that it truly is for everyone. While it is incredibly rewarding to witness your gradual development in flexibility and strength, even from the outset, you can never be ‘bad’ at it. Rather by, stretching to your limits, you are always exactly where you should be, providing your body exactly what it needs. It truly is a lifelong journey.

Meeting Resistance

Everyone faces mental resistance with their yoga practice at some point. Despite our best efforts we might find ourselves having negative like ‘I’m definitely not improving.’ The trick here is to simply acknowledge these thoughts as only thoughts, without identifying with them, and then to move on. Eventually you’ll see that your yoga practice is spacious enough to contain everything – even your resistance! Ironically, it’s only through accepting this that the negative thought stream begins to fade.

A dedicated practice, and the pursuit of fitness truly is a lifelong project. We must realign out priorities to place our health first (or at least in our top three!), and from there, figure out what is most sustainable for us to continue everyday. This is a combination of what we enjoy (or to start with, dislike the least!), and where we’re currently at. The practices that we don’t mind committing to, for our whole lives.

There is no such thing as a quick fix, your health and fitness is a space which will slowly grow and develop with time. There’s no pressure here, rather the opposite: a requirement of commit and surrender.

If you’re seeking some momentum to start, or even just an encouraging nudge, why not visit us here at Happy Buddha? Our retreats include Vinyasa flows as well as gentle Yin yoga – classes perfect for all levels (even total beginners!). We provide a truly welcoming and loving space for those taking the first steps on their long-term health journey. Good luck!

]]>Ignite Your Spirithttps://www.happybuddharetreats.com.au/ignite-your-spirit/
Tue, 04 Jun 2019 06:42:47 +0000https://www.happybuddharetreats.com.au/?p=9192“IGNITE YOUR SPIRIT” ~ Our new tagline. But what does this mean, we hear you ask? Do you want me to set myself of fire, I hear you ask? Well, not literally, but metaphorically, YES! Come sit down with us beside our beautiful cosy Happy Buddha fireplace and we will tell you about it. Get […]

But what does this mean, we hear you ask?

Do you want me to set myself of fire, I hear you ask?

Well, not literally, but metaphorically, YES!

Come sit down with us beside our beautiful cosy Happy Buddha fireplace and we will tell you about it. Get your cup of your favourite hot beverage in your hands and stare deeply into the flames until you reach that meditative place of receptivity and openness. And listen with open awareness to what we have to say.

Igniting Your Spirit really comes down to exploring why we are all here. It’s about exploring, particularly why YOU are here.

Why are you alive, on this magical planet, living, breathing, singing, dancing, yoga-ing, eating, lov-ing, sleeping and then getting up and doing it all again?

Hmmmmm, good question, we hear you say!

Here at Happy Buddha Retreats, we believe that is here for a reason.

We believe that that reason is essentially: to be pure and unadulterated YOU.

It’s to be yourself, to express your truth, to enjoy your life and to live your passions. Sounds pretty simple doesn’t it, except it’s really not, because what we are talking about here is the journey of life, rather than everyday momentum.

The journey of life for each one of us is a process of becoming more and more of ourselves.

This is a magical process of unfoldment, which never ends, it doesn’t matter how old we are.

The journey of life is a journey of self-discovery.

And here at Happy Buddha, we want to support you in the self discovery process through providing a beautiful space for time out from your every day life, so that you can reflect and process and understand where you are at on your particular self discovery journey.

There are so many things that can get in the way of us really blossoming into our true and radiant selves.

Those things include the conditioning we received in childhood from our immediate families and from our schools and wider culture.

And they also include the negative thoughts and belief systems that might have taken root in us somewhere along the road of life thanks to some difficult experiences that have not been fully processed and let go of.

It includes the beliefs we might have inherited from our families, from our schools, from our culture, from our work about what is possible for us in life, about what we are good at or not good at, and about how to live and earn a living.

Depending on the mindsets and the life experiences of those who raised us we might have an expansive, everything-is-possible-and-the-world-is-an-incredible-and-amazing-place-and-I-can-do-and-be-anything-i-want kind of outlook, or we might have a more contracted, restricted view that I-can-only-do-certain-things-and-I-have-to-live-in-a-certain-place-and-do-a-certain-job-and-that-the-world-is-in-essence-a-bit-scary-and-not-very-welcoming kind of outlook and, more likely, we will have something in between these two.

Our view is of course also constantly in a state of flux.

So the journey of IGNITE YOUR SPIRIT, is about unravelling any beliefs that don’t serve you any more, so that you can connect to more of your essence and be more your true self.

If you have an underlying feeling that the life you are living is not really true to you, and that you there is a greater level of enjoyment and pleasure available to you, you can do one of two things.

You can ignore that feeling, and just continue on as is, and perhaps use things like alcohol to numb out a bit so that you don’t feel the uncomfortable feeling so much, or

You can open to the possibility that there is much more available to you, and start to slowly look at areas of your life (including the ways that you behave, the thoughts that you think) that no longer feel aligned with who you are.

We recommend, of course, that you choose the second option.

The practices on offer at Happy Buddha – our yoga classes, our drumming sessions, our meditation talks – are all designed to support your reflective process.

These practices help align you back to the truth of who you are, and they help you to clarify what you really value and what you really want in your life, so that you can let go of everything that no longer serves you.

And from that point, you can really Light Your Inner Fire, Ignite Your Spirit and continue to expand into everything that your soul desires to experience in this lifetime.

]]>Getting Groundedhttps://www.happybuddharetreats.com.au/getting-grounded/
Sun, 02 Jun 2019 23:00:24 +0000https://www.happybuddharetreats.com.au/?p=1783When you’re feeling grounded, you’re like a big, strong tree rooted firmly into the earth. Fierce winds may ruffle your crown, and you might even lose a few leaves and branches. But still, you remain standing – and your life force helps you to recover quickly from any setbacks. On the other hand, when you’re […]

Fierce winds may ruffle your crown, and you might even lose a few leaves and branches.

But still, you remain standing – and your life force helps you to recover quickly from any setbacks.

On the other hand, when you’re not grounded… those same winds can knock you off balance or take you in any direction, whether you want to go or not!

We naturally develop our own ways to help us ground, even if we don’t realise that’s what we are doing. The practice of grounding is so important in our daily lives.

Whether you love going to the beach, walking, planting flowers or hanging the laundry, these are all activities that help us return to the present moment.

Inevitably though, there are times when the winds are unrelenting. Sometimes we forget what works for us, and other times it’s simply no longer enough.

In these times, we need to place a particular focus on our grounding, so that we can once more find balance. Other times, it is equally important that we consciously ground ourselves as part of our everyday.

Here are some easy tools that will help.

Tree Visualisation

Find a quiet spot, where you will be undisturbed for the next 10-20 minutes.

Sit or stand comfortably with your feet firmly planted on the floor and take a few deep breaths. Imagine that there are strong roots growing from your feet deep down into the ground. Watch them tunnel through the ground, the soil, rock and through the earth’s crust. Your roots grow deeper and deeper until you reach the molten, red centre of the Earth. Next, feel the gentle, warm, loving, motherly Earth energy, starts arising through your roots and filling your body.

You are loved, connected and supported. Stay with this feeling for as long as it feels good.

Walking meditation

‘Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.’ –That Nich Hanh

A walking meditation can amplify the feeling of peace. As you walk, become completely aware of your body. Become present in this simple task. Notice how your foot leaves the ground and moves through the air to meet the footpath once again. Notice the gentle sway of your arms backward and forward. Feel the heaviness of your feet on Mother Earth, and feel how you are always totally supported.

Explore the world around you. What colours are catching your attention? What sounds are around you? What smells? Give yourself 10-15 minutes to walk and be truly present.

Use a Mantra

A mantra is a word or a phrase which can be repeat to help you concentrate while meditating. You can also use a mantra without formal meditation to give your mind an opportunity to focus on something other than what is causing you distress.

Any phrase can be a mantra. Choose something that feels good and true, so that your mind doesn’t try arguing back. Your mantra can be as simple as ‘I am’ or ‘I let go’. It can also focus on a feeling or quality that you would like more of, for example; ‘I am open to inspiration.’

Move your body

Walk, swim, throw the ball around with your kids. Put some music on and dance, while listening closely to your body and moving the way it would like to move. Any physical movement will help you get out of your head and into your body, which will instantly help you feel more grounded.

Through yoga we can become fully present by connecting to the present through our senses, getting out of our heads and enhancing a deeper connection with our physical body – our vehicle for life. It’s all about connecting to our deeper selves, with gentle movements and grounding postures to help find stability, balance and peacefulness of the mind… as we surrender to the gravity of Mother Earth. Try Yin Yoga, or for a start, simply try child’s pose for a few minutes!

Connect to Nature

The natural world can give us perspective, and tends to remind us that beyond our stresses, life goes on. Connecting with nature makes a wonderful practice for grounding and balance.

If possible, try and walk bare feet outside or on grass. Gardening, bushwalking and swimming in the ocean – all work wonders for bringing us back down to earth.

One study found that a ninety-minute walk in nature decreased brain activity in the subgenual prefrontal cortex, a space that is highly active when dwelling on negative thoughts.

For the opportunity to re-connect with nature in the gorgeous Blue Mountains, as well as plenty of other grounding exercises (such as meditation classes, yoga and drum circles)… you’re always more than welcome to visit us at Happy Buddha.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in November 2017… but we’ve added to it!